Document Management System

ABSTRACT

A filing system includes a housing having vertical sides and at least one horizontal member extending therebetween. A vertical side define a Y-axis, and a horizontal member defines an X-axis. The vertical sides define the depth of the housing. Along the Y-axis are positioned a plurality of labels. At least one tracking marker is positioned along the X-axis. A plurality of file supports are positioned between the vertical sides. Each file support is vertically positioned along the Y-axis to correspond to one of the plurality of labels. At least one of the file supports is incorporated into a pivotable frame. The frame comprises side supports and a file support therebetween. Each side support is pivotably engaged to a vertical side of the housing.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not Applicable

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

Not Applicable

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to the filing and organization of businessdocuments as well as methods and apparatuses related to same.

BACKGROUND

Some examples of known filing systems are described in U.S. Pat. No.4,139,248; U.S. Pat. No. 4,155,607; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,707,101. Somefiling systems employ folders or hanging pockets in which files areplaced and stored, such as are described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,547,273;U.S. Pat. No. 7,530,652; and U.S. Pat. No. 3,868,157.

All US patents and applications and all other published documentsmentioned anywhere in this application are incorporated herein byreference in their entirety.

The art referred to and/or described above is not intended to constitutean admission that any patent, publication or other information referredto herein is “prior art” with respect to this invention.

Without limiting the scope of the invention a brief summary of some ofthe claimed embodiments of the invention is set forth below. Additionaldetails of the summarized embodiments of the invention and/or additionalembodiments of the invention may be found in the Detailed Description ofthe Invention below.

SUMMARY

A system, apparatus, and method for a three dimensional visual,prioritization, and management system are provided herein.

In at least one embodiment, there is provided a housing assembly havingtwo vertically oriented side members and at least one horizontallyoriented support member engaged thereto. Contained within the housingare a plurality of horizontally oriented file supports. Documents orfiles are hung or otherwise supported by the file supports. Documents orfiles are organized according to visually distinct categories orfunction labels arranged along a vertical surface (Y-axis) on one ormore of the side members; and according to visually distinct trackingmarkers, arranged along a horizontal member (X-axis).

In some embodiments, color coded panels, or tabs, are utilized toprovide additional visual cues for prioritizing or otherwise organizingdocuments contained within the system.

In at least one embodiment, one or more of the file supports arepositioned within a frame. Each frame is pivotally engaged to the sidemembers. The frames are pivotable from a first position, wherein thefile support (and documents/files supported thereon) is contained withinthe housing, to a second position, wherein the file support (anddocuments/files supported thereon) extends outward from the face of thehousing for easier access and inspection.

These and other embodiments which characterize the invention are pointedout with particularity in the claims annexed hereto and forming a parthereof. However, for further understanding of the invention, itsadvantages and objectives obtained by its use, reference should be madeto the drawings which form a further part hereof and the accompanyingdescriptive matter, in which there is illustrated and described variousembodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A detailed description of the invention and representative embodimentsis hereafter described with specific reference being made to thedrawings.

FIG. 1 is frontal view of an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a detailed view of a side member of the embodiment shown inFIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a detailed view of a horizontal member of the embodiment shownin FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a detailed perspective view of the file support ring andstopper shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1wherein the pivotable frame is shown in the stowed position.

FIG. 7 is a side perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1wherein the pivotable frame is shown in the deployed position.

FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 7.

FIG. 8 a is an exploded view of the components of the pivot point shownin FIG. 8

FIG. 8 b is a front cross-sectional view of the assembled components ofthe pivot point shown in FIG. 8 b.

FIG. 9 is a transitional view of the manner in which the pivotable frameis supported when transitioning from the stowed position to the deployedposition.

FIG. 10 is a front view of an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In the following detailed description, reference is made to theaccompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which are shown byway of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may bepracticed. It is understood that other embodiments may be utilized andstructural changes may be made without departing from the scope of thepresent invention. For the purposes of this disclosure, like referencenumerals in the figures shall refer to like features unless otherwiseindicated.

With reference to FIG. 1, an embodiment of the present disclosure isdepicted wherein a document filing system 10 is incorporated into ahousing 12 having a pair of vertical side members 14 as well as one ormore horizontal members 16 extending between the side members. Thehousing also contains a plurality of file supports 18. As will bediscussed in greater detail below, each file support 18 is positionedbetween the side members 14 and is incorporated into a frame 20 that ispivotably engaged to the side members 14. Each file support 18 is anelongate member (such as a rod, bar, shaft, etc.) upon which files,documents, etc. are hung or otherwise supported. Each file support 18 issubstantially parallel to the horizontal member(s) 16. File supports 18are vertically spaced apart a sufficient distance to allow documents tobe hung from a file support 18 without interfering with a verticallyadjacent file support 18 or documents that may be positioned thereon. Inat least one embodiment, vertically adjacent file supports are at least550 mm apart from one another.

As is apparent from FIG. 1, when viewed from the front of the housing12, the side members 14 define a vertical axis (Y-axis) and thehorizontal member(s) 16 provide a horizontal axis (X-axis). As is bestshown in FIG. 2, corresponding to the vertical position of each filesupport 18 a label 30 or other form of indicia is placed along one orboth of the side members 14. Labels 30 can represent a usefuldesignation that may be relevant to a particular organizational functionor concept. For example, in a business setting, each label 30 candesignate a specific product line, a function or task to be completed,an order to be filled, an individual's records, etc. Such examplesshould not be interpreted as in any way limiting the scope or use of thepresent invention. It should be understood that the designations oflabels 30 can be of many types and are customizable to manyorganizational system.

Returning to FIG. 1 and also FIG. 3, in some embodiments at least onehorizontal member 16 is configured to include at least one visualtracking marker 32. Where multiple markers 32 are provided, the markerscan be positioned at intervals along the length of the horizontal member16. Like the labels 30 along the Y-axis, the markers 32 along the X-axiscan contain many types of indicia, color or designation useful forindicating an organizational function or concept.

The tracking marker or markers 32 positioned on a horizontal member 16can also be used to represent relevant aspects of the labeled functionor category of the Y-Axis labels 30. For example: in an embodiment wherethe Y-Axis labels represent customer reviews or complaints regardingspecific products, the tracking markers 32 can be arranged to indicatedates, or a time line, that such reviews enter the system (e.g. filesplaced near one end of the X-Axis are older than those at the oppositeend). Additional markers can be positioned along the tracking member toallow for more readily identifiable categories (days, weeks, months,etc.).

The combination of vertically arranged category labels 30 (along theY-Axis) and horizontally arranged tracking markers 32 (along the X-Axis)allows files or documents to be efficiently organized and visuallyidentified along multiple file supports 18 by determining theappropriate vertical category to which the file belongs (according tothe labels 30 on the Y-Axis); and then determining the appropriatetracking position within the identified category (according to thetracking markers 32 on the X-Axis).

In at least one embodiment, an example of which is shown in FIG. 4, athird visual dimension is added to the filing system 10. As is shown,one or more color coded panels or tabs 34 can be positioned along one ormore of the file supports 18. The color of the tab or panel 34 can bemade to correspond to a desired task or aspect of the filing system 10.For example: in an embodiment wherein the tracking markers 32 along theX-axis represent a time line, a red panel placed next to a file couldindicate that the file needs immediate attention even if the file'sposition along the time line would not other wise indicate that itshould be addressed out of turn. The colors of the tabs or panels 34 andtheir corresponding tasks or indicators can be customized as desired.

Panel 34 that can be introduced onto the file supports 18 by a varietyof fasteners or retaining mechanisms. Such mechanisms are also suitablefor adding one or more individual documents, file folders, envelopes,pouches, etc. (hereinafter identified as file(s) 45) on to any of thefile supports 18. A close up view of one type of retaining mechanism isshown in FIG. 5. In the embodiment shown, a support ring 40 is disposedabout a given file support 18 and a removable clip or other type offastener 42 secures file(s) 45 (or panel 34) to the ring 40.

In the embodiment shown, the ring 40 defines a sufficiently large areato allow the ring (and the file/document attached thereto) to be freelymoved along the length of the support 18. In some embodiments the ring40 is equipped with a biased swing gate, in the manner of a carabineeror safety-pin to allow the ring to be more readily removed from aboutthe support 18. In some embodiments the ring 40 can be in the form of asimple hook, hanger or other device suitable for sliding engagement onthe support 18. Likewise, in some embodiments file(s) 45 can be directlysecured to the ring 40 without the use of a fastener 42.

In addition to or as an alternative to hanging panels or tabs 34, insome embodiments, an example of which is shown in FIG. 1 (and in detailFIG. 5) one or more of the file supports 18 include stoppers 36. In someembodiments, stoppers 36 can be used to simply separate sections offiles along the support for organizational convenience. In someembodiments, stoppers 36 are color coded (such as in the mannerdescribed above regarding panels 34) to provide a visuallydistinguishable indicator for a specific file or files. Stoppers 36 canalso be used to provide a greater degree of precision than the trackingmarkers 32. For example where tracking markers 32 indicate a time lineof the current year, stoppers 36 could be used to indicate specificperiods of time of the year. As with the labels 30, markers 32 andpanels/tabs 34, the use and configuration of stoppers 36 along the filesupports 18 can be customized as desired.

As shown in FIG. 1, the file supports 18 are each part of a frame 20pivotably mounted to the side members 14 of the housing 12. Each framecomprises a pair of side supports 22 and at least one file support 18.In some embodiments frame 20 also includes one or more reinforcingmembers 24, which can provide increased structural ability and/orsupport to the housing 12.

Turning to FIG. 6, a frame 20 is shown in the stowed or “home” positionwithin the housing 12. As shown in FIG. 6, in this position support 18and the file(s) 45 are contained within the depth 55 of the housing 12.Depth 55 is defined by the width of each side member 14. When in thestowed position, the support 18 and the file(s) 45 are positioned abovethe pivot points 25 of the frame. When the frame 20 is pivoted from thestowed position to the extended or deployed position, such as is shownin FIGS. 7 and 8, the support 18 pivots approximately 90 degrees fromthe stowed position. This repositioning causes both the support 18 andthe file(s) 45 to be positioned outside of the housing depth 55.

The pivoting aspect of the frame 20 allows the file(s) 45 to be muchmore easily accessed by a user then if the file support 18 were limitedto only a stowed position. In some embodiments, one or both of the sidemembers 14 include a “dead stop” 26, which protrudes at least partiallyacross the width of the housing face in order to engage a side support22 of the frame 20 when the frame is in the deployed position, such asin the manner depicted in FIG. 9. Thus, when the frame 20 is moved fromthe stowed position to the deployed position, one or both of the sidesupports 22 rests upon a dead stop 26.

Transition of the frame 20 between the stowed position and the deployedposition can be achieved by any of a variety of actuating mechanisms. Inat least one embodiment, the frame is simply pulled from the stowedposition to the deployed position (and back) by a user. This reliance onthe strength of the user however, may be impractical in somecircumstances. As such, in at least one embodiment, such as that whichis depicted in FIG. 6-8, includes an actuation mechanism such as a handcrank 28 which is mechanically engaged to the pivot mechanism of theframe 20 and provides a smooth and controlled transition between thestowed and deployed states when used.

In at least one embodiment, an example of which is depicted in FIGS. 8a. and 8 b, an example of an actuation mechanism, and its components, isshown. In this embodiment, hand crank 28 and side support 22 aremutually engaged to the pivot point 25 by a pivot pin 60. Pivot pin 60includes a D-shaped head 62 which is shaped to fit within, and engage, acomplimentary shaped recess 64 of the side support 22. The complimentaryshapes of the recess 64 and pin head 62 ensure that when a torque isapplied to the pin 60 by the hand crank 28, the side support 22 andframe 20 will move in response to the pin's rotation. The pin head 62and recess 64 can be provided with a variety of shapes to provide thedesired engagement.

The pivot pin 60 passes through the side support 22 and through one ormore bushings 65 that are mounted to, or integral with, the side member14. The bushings 65 can be any type of low friction manufacture in orderto allow ease of rotation. In at least one embodiment the bushings arebrass or other suitable metal or high strength plastic.

On the opposite side of the bushing(s) 65 from the side support 22, athe hand crank 28 is positioned. The hand crank 28 includes a collar 66,into which the pivot pin 60 extends after passing through the bushing(s)65. The collar 66 engages the pivot pin 60 via a key 68 or otherengagement mechanism which ensures that when the hand crank 28 isactuated the pivot pin 60 will rotate.

A cover or cap 70 is engaged to the end of the pivot pin 60 and againstthe collar 66 by a screw, bolt or other fastener 72 (shown only in FIG.8 b) in order to secure and maintain the engagement of the key 68 to thecollar 66 and pivot pin 60.

In order to facilitate repositioning of a frame 20 bearing heavy loads,in some embodiments the hand crank 28 depicted herein can be replaced orsupplemented with various automatic actuation mechanisms such aspneumatic or electro-pneumatic cylinder, motor actuator mechanism, etc.Such mechanisms can be positioned on one or both ends of the frame 20,in conjunction with a push button (or other activating mechanism)mounted to the side of the housing 12.

For purposes of clarity and ease of illustration, a single frame 20 hasbeen depicted being contained in the housing 12 in the various drawingsherein (specifically FIGS. 1, 4, 6-8, and 9). It should be understoodhowever, that each file support 18 can be part of a frame 20 and that agiven housing 12 can be configured to contain multiple frames 20 lessthan or equal to the number of supports 18.

As has been made clear above, filing system 10 can be customized toaccommodate a variety of document management structures. A specificexample of such a structure is depicted in FIG. 10. As shown the system10 incorporates four Y-axis labels 30, wherein each label refers to aproduct line of a medical device company.

The above disclosure is intended to be illustrative and not exhaustive.This description will suggest many variations and alternatives to one ofordinary skill in this art. The various elements shown in the individualfigures and described above may be combined or modified for combinationas desired. All these alternatives and variations are intended to beincluded within the scope of the claims where the term “comprising”means “including, but not limited to”.

This completes the description of the preferred and alternateembodiments of the invention. Those skilled in the art may recognizeother equivalents to the specific embodiment described herein whichequivalents are intended to be encompassed by the claims attachedhereto.

1. A filing system comprising: a housing having a first vertical side, a second vertical side and at least one horizontal member extending therebetween, at least one of the first vertical side and second vertical side defining a Y-axis, the at least one horizontal member defining an X-axis, the first vertical side and the second vertical side defining a housing depth, a plurality of labels positioned on the Y-axis; at least one tracking marker positioned on the X-axis; a plurality of file supports, where each file support is positioned between the first vertical side and the second vertical side, each file support being parallel to the at least one horizontal member, each file support being vertically positioned along the Y-axis to correspond to one of the plurality of labels; and a frame including a first side support, a second side support and at least one of the plurality of file supports extending therebetween, the first side support pivotably engaged to the first vertical side, the second side support pivotably engaged to the second vertical side, the frame having a stowed position and a deployed position, where in the stowed position the at least one file support is positioned within the housing depth, and in the deployed position the at least one file support is positioned outside the housing depth.
 2. The system of claim 1 comprising a plurality of tracking markers positioned along the X-axis to provide visual intervals.
 3. The system of claim 2 wherein each of the plurality of tracking markers are provided with a color, the color corresponding to an organizational function.
 4. The system of claim 1 further comprising at least one organizational panel and at least one mounting ring, the mounting ring being slidably engaged to a file support, the at least one organizational panel being supported by the at least one mounting ring.
 5. The system of claim 4 wherein the at least one organizational panel is provided with a color, the color corresponding to an organizational function.
 6. The system of claim 1 further comprising at least one stopper engaged to a file support.
 7. The system of claim 6 wherein the at least one stopper is provided with a color, the color corresponding to an organizational function.
 8. The system of claim 1 further comprising at least one dead stop engaged to at least one of the first vertical side and the second vertical side, where in the deployed position at least one of the first side support and the second side support is engaged by the at least one dead stop.
 9. The system of claim 1 further comprising an actuation mechanism mechanically engaged to a pivot mechanism of the frame and housing.
 10. The system of claim 9 wherein the actuation mechanism is a hand crank.
 11. The system of claim 1 further comprising at least one file slidably engaged to one of the file supports.
 12. The system of claim 11 wherein the at least one file is selected from the group consisting of: one or more documents, one or more file folders, one or more envelopes, one or more pouches, and any combination thereof.
 13. The system of claim 11 wherein the at least one file comprises a ring removeably engaged to one of the plurality of file supports. 